Truckee Tahoe Mountain Biking

Tired of the same old bike routes? Ready to experience Lake Tahoe's legendary mountain biking? Let our experienced, local mountain guides show you our favorite trails!

Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

Join Blackbird Guides for an unforgettable single-day mountain biking adventure! We'll take you on a journey through the most epic trails Tahoe has to offer, from flowy singletrack to challenging climbs with jaw-dropping lake views.

Our expert local guides are not just passionate riders—they're certified professionals who know the trails like the back of their hand. They’ll tailor the perfect ride to your skill level, whether you're a seasoned shredder looking for a technical challenge or a novice eager to explore the sport.

Leave the logistics and planning to us! Our partners at Tahoe Sports Hub provide top-of-the-line rental bikes, safety equipment, and all the local insights you need for a truly epic day on the dirt. All you have to do is show up ready to ride.

Ready to find your flow? Book your single-day Tahoe mountain biking experience with Blackbird Guides today!

Single-Day Mountain Biking Itinerary

  • 8:00am - Meet & Greet

    Meet your Blackbird Guides mountain bike pro at the pre-determined trailhead. We'll get you set up with your bike and gear, and go over the plan for the day.

  • 8:30am - Trailhead Departure

    After a brief safety check and overview of the route, we'll roll out and start our adventure on Tahoe's best trails.

  • 12:00pm - Mid-Ride Break

    We'll find a scenic spot to refuel with a packed lunch and snacks, taking in the stunning mountain views.

  • 3:30pm - Ride Finish

    Our tour concludes back at the trailhead. We'll debrief on the day's highlights, celebrate new skills, and talk about your next steps in the sport.

Prerequisites: Skills & Fitness

This program is designed for intermediate to expert mountain bikers. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, we recommend that you have the following skills and fitness level:

Skills

  • Confident Biker: You are comfortable riding on a mountain bike and can maintain control over varied terrain on single track trails.
  • Basic Trail Handling: You can comfortably navigate singletrack with some obstacles, such as small rocks, roots, and loose dirt.
  • Shifting & Braking: You are proficient at using your gears to manage climbs and descents and are comfortable with controlled braking on downhills.
  • Intermediate Climbs: You can complete climbs of at least 60 minutes at a moderate pace without needing a significant break.

Fitness

  • Cardiovascular Endurance: You can sustain continuous physical activity for several hours with breaks.
  • Riding Time: You are capable of riding for 3-5 hours over the course of the day, with a total elevation gain of 1,500-3,000 feet.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included:

  • Professional Guiding: An experienced, certified mountain bike guide for the full day.
  • Safety & Logistics: All trip planning, permits, and trailhead support.
  • Trail-side Snacks: Energy bars, gels, and other small snacks to keep you fueled.
  • Group First-Aid Kit: Your guide will carry a comprehensive first-aid kit for emergencies.

What's Not Included:

  • Mountain Bike: Participants must provide their own well-maintained mountain bike.
  • Personal Gear: Your personal riding gear, including helmet, gloves, and clothing.
  • Hydration: You are responsible for bringing a minimum of 2 liters of water.
  • Transportation: Travel to and from the designated trailhead.
  • Lunch: Participants must bring their own packed lunch.
  • Guide Gratuity: Gratuity for your guide is not included and is at your discretion.

Single-Day Mountain Biking Gear List

Bike & Safety

  • Mountain Bike: A well-maintained mountain bike suitable for the terrain you'll be riding.
  • Helmet: A properly fitting helmet is non-negotiable for safety.
  • Gloves: Padded gloves provide comfort, grip, and protection from falls.
  • Eyewear: Sunglasses or clear glasses protect your eyes from sun, dust, and debris.
  • Knee/Elbow Pads: (Optional but recommended for more technical terrain) Pads offer an extra layer of protection against scrapes and impacts.

Clothing

  • Jersey/Top: A moisture-wicking shirt is best for comfort.
  • Shorts/Lycra: Padded bike shorts or baggy mountain bike shorts.
  • Socks: Breathable, moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.
  • Jacket/Layer: A lightweight, packable windbreaker or rain jacket is a good idea for changing weather.

Essentials & On-the-Bike

  • Backpack/Fanny Pack: A small pack to carry essentials.
  • Water: At least 2-3 liters of water, in a hydration pack or water bottles.
  • Snacks: Energy bars, gels, nuts, or other easy-to-eat snacks.
  • Navigation: A GPS device, smartphone with a trail app (e.g., Trailforks, AllTrails), or a physical map.
  • Small First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

Bike Repair Kit

  • Spare Tube: Even if you have tubeless tires, a spare tube can save your ride.
  • Tire Levers: To remove and install tires.
  • Pump/CO2 Inflator: To re-inflate your tire after a repair.
  • Multi-tool: A compact tool with Allen keys, screwdrivers, and a chain breaker.
  • Chain Link: A spare quick link for chain repairs.

Optional Comfort & Convenience Items

  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sun exposure.
  • Bug Spray: Especially useful in certain seasons and areas.
  • Cash/Credit Card & ID: For emergencies or a post-ride treat.
  • Small Lock: If you plan to leave your bike unattended at any point.
  • Personal Hygiene: Small pack of tissues or a bandana.

Know Before you go

SKILL LEVELIntermediate Advanced Expert
ELEVATION5700-8,500'
LocationTruckee, CA

Price/Person $645.00
Private Programs
Duration: 1 Day
View Full Itinerary

PRIVATE PROGRAMS

  • Custom Scheduling: Choose your dates and plan around your availability.
  • Tailored Experiences: Itineraries and objectives are adjusted to suit your goals, experience, and fitness.
  • Cost-Effective for Most Large Groups: Private programs are typically more cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
  • Flexibility Comes at a Price: For groups of 1-2, private programs are generally more expensive.
  • AIARE Courses: AIARE course pricing is based on a group of 6. Running these as a private program with fewer than 6 participants will increase the per-person cost.

SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

  • Fixed Dates & Costs: Scheduled programs have set dates, itineraries, objectives, and pricing.
  • Great for Solo or Small Groups: Ideal for individuals or small groups looking to share costs with others.
  • Affordable for 1-2 People: Scheduled programs are typically less expensive for groups of 1-2.
  • Less Flexibility: Dates fill quickly, and group programs require adapting to the skill level and pace of all participants
  • Group Atmosphere: Meet others with similar interests and make some new backcountry buddies!

Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.

Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!

Contact us
Full Itinerary

Single-Day Mountain Biking Itinerary

  • 8:00am - Meet & Greet

    Meet your Blackbird Guides mountain bike pro at the pre-determined trailhead. We'll get you set up with your bike and gear, and go over the plan for the day.

  • 8:30am - Trailhead Departure

    After a brief safety check and overview of the route, we'll roll out and start our adventure on Tahoe's best trails.

  • 12:00pm - Mid-Ride Break

    We'll find a scenic spot to refuel with a packed lunch and snacks, taking in the stunning mountain views.

  • 3:30pm - Ride Finish

    Our tour concludes back at the trailhead. We'll debrief on the day's highlights, celebrate new skills, and talk about your next steps in the sport.

Join Blackbird Guides for an unforgettable single-day mountain biking adventure! We'll take you on a journey through the most epic trails Tahoe has to offer, from flowy singletrack to challenging climbs with jaw-dropping lake views.

Our expert local guides are not just passionate riders—they're certified professionals who know the trails like the back of their hand. They’ll tailor the perfect ride to your skill level, whether you're a seasoned shredder looking for a technical challenge or a novice eager to explore the sport.

Leave the logistics and planning to us! Our partners at Tahoe Sports Hub provide top-of-the-line rental bikes, safety equipment, and all the local insights you need for a truly epic day on the dirt. All you have to do is show up ready to ride.

Ready to find your flow? Book your single-day Tahoe mountain biking experience with Blackbird Guides today!

Single-Day Mountain Biking Itinerary

  • 8:00am - Meet & Greet

    Meet your Blackbird Guides mountain bike pro at the pre-determined trailhead. We'll get you set up with your bike and gear, and go over the plan for the day.

  • 8:30am - Trailhead Departure

    After a brief safety check and overview of the route, we'll roll out and start our adventure on Tahoe's best trails.

  • 12:00pm - Mid-Ride Break

    We'll find a scenic spot to refuel with a packed lunch and snacks, taking in the stunning mountain views.

  • 3:30pm - Ride Finish

    Our tour concludes back at the trailhead. We'll debrief on the day's highlights, celebrate new skills, and talk about your next steps in the sport.

Prerequisites: Skills & Fitness

This program is designed for intermediate to expert mountain bikers. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, we recommend that you have the following skills and fitness level:

Skills

  • Confident Biker: You are comfortable riding on a mountain bike and can maintain control over varied terrain on single track trails.
  • Basic Trail Handling: You can comfortably navigate singletrack with some obstacles, such as small rocks, roots, and loose dirt.
  • Shifting & Braking: You are proficient at using your gears to manage climbs and descents and are comfortable with controlled braking on downhills.
  • Intermediate Climbs: You can complete climbs of at least 60 minutes at a moderate pace without needing a significant break.

Fitness

  • Cardiovascular Endurance: You can sustain continuous physical activity for several hours with breaks.
  • Riding Time: You are capable of riding for 3-5 hours over the course of the day, with a total elevation gain of 1,500-3,000 feet.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included:

  • Professional Guiding: An experienced, certified mountain bike guide for the full day.
  • Safety & Logistics: All trip planning, permits, and trailhead support.
  • Trail-side Snacks: Energy bars, gels, and other small snacks to keep you fueled.
  • Group First-Aid Kit: Your guide will carry a comprehensive first-aid kit for emergencies.

What's Not Included:

  • Mountain Bike: Participants must provide their own well-maintained mountain bike.
  • Personal Gear: Your personal riding gear, including helmet, gloves, and clothing.
  • Hydration: You are responsible for bringing a minimum of 2 liters of water.
  • Transportation: Travel to and from the designated trailhead.
  • Lunch: Participants must bring their own packed lunch.
  • Guide Gratuity: Gratuity for your guide is not included and is at your discretion.

Single-Day Mountain Biking Gear List

Bike & Safety

  • Mountain Bike: A well-maintained mountain bike suitable for the terrain you'll be riding.
  • Helmet: A properly fitting helmet is non-negotiable for safety.
  • Gloves: Padded gloves provide comfort, grip, and protection from falls.
  • Eyewear: Sunglasses or clear glasses protect your eyes from sun, dust, and debris.
  • Knee/Elbow Pads: (Optional but recommended for more technical terrain) Pads offer an extra layer of protection against scrapes and impacts.

Clothing

  • Jersey/Top: A moisture-wicking shirt is best for comfort.
  • Shorts/Lycra: Padded bike shorts or baggy mountain bike shorts.
  • Socks: Breathable, moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.
  • Jacket/Layer: A lightweight, packable windbreaker or rain jacket is a good idea for changing weather.

Essentials & On-the-Bike

  • Backpack/Fanny Pack: A small pack to carry essentials.
  • Water: At least 2-3 liters of water, in a hydration pack or water bottles.
  • Snacks: Energy bars, gels, nuts, or other easy-to-eat snacks.
  • Navigation: A GPS device, smartphone with a trail app (e.g., Trailforks, AllTrails), or a physical map.
  • Small First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

Bike Repair Kit

  • Spare Tube: Even if you have tubeless tires, a spare tube can save your ride.
  • Tire Levers: To remove and install tires.
  • Pump/CO2 Inflator: To re-inflate your tire after a repair.
  • Multi-tool: A compact tool with Allen keys, screwdrivers, and a chain breaker.
  • Chain Link: A spare quick link for chain repairs.

Optional Comfort & Convenience Items

  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sun exposure.
  • Bug Spray: Especially useful in certain seasons and areas.
  • Cash/Credit Card & ID: For emergencies or a post-ride treat.
  • Small Lock: If you plan to leave your bike unattended at any point.
  • Personal Hygiene: Small pack of tissues or a bandana.

the blackbird difference

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Professional Guides

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Got Questions?

We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!